Page:Mathematical collections and translations, in two tomes - Salusbury (1661).djvu/106

 See Simplicius what an inveterate affection and radicated opinion can do, since it is so powerful, that it makes you think that those very things favour you, which you produce against your self. For if separation and distance are accidents sufficient to perswade with you a great diversity of natures, it must follow that proximity and contiguity import similitude. Now how much more neerer is the Moon to the Earth, than to any other of the Cœlestial Orbs? You must acknowledg therefore, according to your own concession (and you shall have other Philosophers bear you company) that there is a very great affinity betwixt the Earth and Moon. Now let us proceed, and see whether any thing remains to be considered, touching those objections which you made against the resemblances that are between these two bodies.

It rests, that we say something touching the solidity of the Moon, which I argued from its being exquisite smooth and polite, and you from its montuosity. There is another scruple also comes into my mind, from an opinion which I have, that the Seas reflection ought by the equality of its surface, to be rendered stronger than that of the Earth, whose superficies is so rough and opacous.

As to the first objection; I say, that like as among the parts of the Earth, which all by their gravity strive to approach the nearest they can possible to the center, some of them alwayes are more remote from it than the rest, as the mountains more than the valleys, and that by reason of their solidity and firmnesse (for if they were of fluid, they would be even) so the seeing some parts of the Moon to be elevated above the sphericity of the lower parts, argueth their hardnesse; for it is probable that the matter of the Moon is reduced into a spherical form by the harmonious conspiration of all its parts to the same sentense. Touching the second doubt, my thinks that the particulars already observed to happen in the Looking-glasses, may very well assure us, that the reflection of light comming from the Sea, is far weaker than that which cometh from Land; understanding it alwayes of the universal reflection; for as to that particular, on which the water being calm, casteth upon a determinate place, there is no doubt, but that he who shall stand in that place, shall see a very great reflection in the water, but every way else he shall see the surface of the Water more obscure than that of the Land; and to prove it to your senses, let us go into yonder Hall, and power forth a little water upon the Pavement. Tell me now, doth not this wet brick shew more dull than the other dry ones? Doubtlesse it doth, and will so appear, from what place soever you behold it, except one onely, and this is that way which the light cometh, that entereth in at yonder window; go backwards therefore by a little and a little.